Cancel

Open app

Search

J.D. William's Whisky Bar

4.4 (58 reviews)
Closed 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

J.D. William's Whisky Bar Photos

J.D. WILLIAM'S WHISKY BAR ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Loud
Classy
Casual
Good for groups

Recommended Reviews - J.D. William's Whisky Bar

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Esmira J.

My friend and I were in Amsterdam for 5 days and got caught in the rain one evening while roaming around. This was one of the few places open in the area so we decided to give it a go. So glad we did. Let me start by saying, to say the least, I am not a whiskey drinker. But they had some many options that the first drink did such a good job at making me more open to drinking whiskey. Ended up have whiskey straight by the end of the night. Let me say, JD , the owner did a superb job! They were super short staffed. He tended bar and waited tables the entire night, and efficiently! He did have the help of one bus boy, which surely helps but he did most of the work. Also took his time chatting with us. He's from the US, San Fran, if I remember correctly. The food was quite good as well, probably some of the better dishes I had while in Amsterdam. I was hesitant at first because it's an Asian Fusion Whiskey bar? But it works. It really does. The dumplings we delicious!! The bibimbap was quite good, but I needed more proteins than the egg, I barely ate all day, and was walking for hours! They gladly added the steak for me. The fried chicken was pretty good and super flavorful. Also tried the ribs my friend ordered, yummmmm, and I don't even like ribs. All in all, should I find myself back in Amsterdam. I will surely come back.

A picture is worth a thousand words
Carolyn S.

Fun atmosphere and very interesting menu. All items we ordered were excellent. My husband loved the pork ribs. And then there is the whiskey

Whiskey selection
Nicholas D.

Great bar, nice owner, awesome selection, good music. What more could you want? If you're looking for whiskey this is the place to go. Thur also have starters, entrees, and desserts although I didn't go for that. I did get some sweet potato fries and they were good. I think they do brunch on special occasions and hold other events, but only on certain days. Check the board behind the bar for that!

Sam L.

I was fortunate to have gone here with a friend who knows his whiskeys quite well. The suggestions he made were top notch. The selection of whiskeys is outstanding. It's a great variety not too overwhelming though the menu listing all the whiskey is overwhelming if you don't know your whiskeys. With that in mind the staff is well trained and knowledgeable about the whiskeys and is always learning. That's a great sign. So you can ask them to suggest something. Bear in mind that drinking whiskey is very different than drinking wine or beer. Although you can have beer along with whiskey drinking the beer as you would water after the whiskey. I ordered several appetizers to get an idea of how well their food goes with drinking whiskey. I have to say the asian influenced flavors of the food went quite well with the whiskey complementing it nicely. I was impressed with how well. The entrees I saw looked great and from what I could see of those eating they were enjoying their food. I really didn't care for the spring rolls but maybe that was just me. They weren't the deep fried crispy kind. They were the soft wrapped ones. The service was good. The decor was hard surfaces and modernish looking but also warm. It also meant that the busier it got the louder it got. There were a couple of spaces that had couches along with low tables for a more relaxed feel. So you had a choice of sitting at a regular table with stools on one side and a long padded bench on the other side or you could sit at the bar on traditional bar stools or at either of the couches. The back bar is nicely lit in a red glow giving it an interesting look. Things went so well that I managed to drink four whiskeys over the course of the evening enjoying each one. I wasn't anywhere near drunk but that is a good sign that we were drinking high quality whiskeys. I should mention that a carafe of water is immediately served to drink along with the whiskey. It helps you to enjoy the whiskey more by clearing your palette and replenishing your system with water as the alcohol causes you to dehydrate. They're also dog friendly. They furnished my dog with a nice bowl of water.

Falafel tacos
Giulianna G.

I went to this bar yesterday for taco tuesdays. I was there to meet with a couple of other yelpers, and I had a great time. The food was amazing, I loved the falafel taco, and unfortunately that was the only one that I could have because of my diet but everyone else tasted all the tacos and they also said good things about them. The falafel taco was pretty special because the falafel was actually made of edamame. It was green goodness. The chef and owner is from Taiwan so he knows the value of a good edamame. Speaking of the owner, he was incredibly friendly and nice and he even told us about the bar and what name is about, he named it after the name of his father and his two kids and I just thought it was the sweetest thing ever. I only had 2 & half tacos and i was pretty stuffed, I have to say that I did want to eat more but I just couldn't (I had a snack at home before going there). Others had more which just proves how delicious they are and you just can't stop eating them. The service was super friendly and nice, the waiter gave suggestions and they were pretty good. We sat on the table right next to the kitchen which I thought was going to be too hot or whatever but it wasn't. It was pretty comfortable and cozy. And sitting next to the chef gave us an opportunity to talk to him and get to know more about the bar and the food. I had the Silly Sally drink (it's with gin and cherries) and it was so good that I ended up ordering another one and I only had those two drinks. I did however sip from peoples drinks (don't worry, they offered me) and they were all great (except for one that had Rosemary, It did not grow on me) and the whiskeys were so smooth. The JD Williams drink is actually pretty good and it's named after the bar. Overall it had a nice atmosphere, and after the sun went down they also dimmed the lights inside so it was very cozy, just great for having conversation and having drinks with your friends or meeting new people. The only reason I'm not giving this place five stars, is because if you're not a very skilled person in the balance category, it can be quite difficult to go upstairs to use the bathroom. And also the hand drying thing is quite loud and it's not protected by any kind of door or inside of a room, so you can hear it extremely loud from downstairs when you're trying to talk to people and that annoyed me a little bit. Other than that, I will be coming back and I would totally tell my friends about this place.

Relax .
Michael T.

I found this bar in the rain period it was quiet and the food was amazing it's now my local every time I am in Amsterdam. Had an amazing two drinks. Pleasant music and I heard the food is good. But just here for drinks.

Ana C.

I had bookmarked this place for a "date night" with my husband because he loves whiskey, and this place did not disappoint! If you are a whiskey lover (or want to learn more), this is a great place. Their menu is a bit overwhelming because it is so extensive, but their staff is very well trained and I highly recommend that you ask them for a recommendation. If you do not drink alcohol (like me), there is a great selection of appetizers. All of them were very delicious! Of note, this is a bar so though they have a dinner service, the portion sizes are on the small side. Food: 3.5/5 We had the following: Bourbon Glazed Pork Ribs - these were tasty and finger licking good. Unfortunately Mystique is still the king of BBQ ribs. Ahi Poke - this was my first time having a poke, and no I have no idea how to pronounce it. This is a raw tuna salad served with a rice ball, and it was very delicious. The tuna tasted fresh, and the rice ball had been grilled so there was a nice crunch element. Sweet Potato Fries - tasty, the star was the wasabi mayonaise and I wish I could have taken a jar of it home. Service: 4/5 The staff know whiskey, so I would not hesitate to ask them all about it. I overheard one table who had never had whiskey before ask what the difference between bourbon and whiskey was, and the waiter launched into great detail about the history and characteristics of bourbon. Atmosphere: 5/5 This place is very hip, it feels like 1920s speakeasy to me. Combined with the backlit bar, it is a cool place to hang out. Value: 3/5 The drinks were reasonabily priced and there is something for every price range. The food was very refined and appropriately priced. I only wished there was an option to order a larger size (because I am always hungry).

Wall of whiskey!
Ally H.

We arrived there fairly early on a Saturday evening and thankfully, this brand spanking new whiskey hot spot had a quiet moment, which meant we managed to find two spots at the bar. Here we were able to meet the owner Dan who was able to make a couple of recommendations. With his recommendations, I managed to try three cocktails (I know, what a lush!), the JD William's old fashioned, an old fashioned and the Silly Sally (a gin cocktail!!!!!) and I have to say, I was very impressed! Dan let us know the bar was named after his two adorable kids (both boys) and his father and gave us a bit of background on why here and why now for a whiskey bar! Armed with all this knowledge, I managed to squeeze in an appetizer as well and I have to say, this impressed me even more! Bite sized deep fried tender and moist morsels of chicken, with a side of creamy mayonnaise! Whilst there, we heard of taco Tuesday, so I think it's safe to say that we'll be back!

Hunky whisky wall!
Miss Ally A.

I visited here last night with my coworkers. We had one mission: try new whisky and eat tacos. In my mind, that's basically the best kind of Tuesday night ever. The place is small with pretty comfortable seating. Not a lot of decor, not a thick ambiance, which can be charming in a way. It's real easy here. You've got two guys: a man who is behind the bar and one behind the kitchen. Kitchen guy, the owner (not sure if they both are owners), is friendly and chatted with us a bit. The bar guy knows his stuff. I asked for two recommendations and both were right on. There's a really nice selection of whisky here, and the menu gives you nice info on each region the whisky comes from, the tastes, etc. The tacos are bomb! The vegetarian taco is a falafel taco. I know, I know, that's not a taco...I know. But, what it is is tasty. And, that works for me. I like this place. It's easy. It's new. It's friendly. And, again, taco Tuesdays. Come on. We'll be back for sure!

Awesome A.

JD William's is a new whisky bar in the heart of the city. We went on opening night so of course it is not 100% complete yet. (thus the 4 instead of 5 stars) But with lots of nice whiskys and whisky cocktails plus beer on the menu, there is a lot to like. The food menu also holds lots of promise. Korean tacos, sweet potato fries and ahi tuna poke are exotic treats in Amsterdam. Friendly owners add that special touch! We look forward to making this bar one of our favorite neighborhood spots. See you there! :) For more details you can check out http://awesomeamsterdam.com/articles/492/jd-williams-whisky-bar

Great whiskey cocktail! Highly recommended
Barney M.

Very nice, relaxing and friendly place. Great whiskey selection but also great cocktails. Craft beer selection is good, a nice selection of local and American beers (bottles only). We had food and it was very nice. It's a small menu but I prefer it that way. I had the beef tacos and they were good. Beef was a little over seasoned but it tasted nice. I'd really recommend people to go and check this place out. The owner Dan is a great guy, super friendly and knowledgable about his whiskey. I'll be going back for sure.

Ashley S.

Perfect Amsterdam experience! The leather couch in the window was the perfect seat for visiting over a great whiskey drink. The service was excellent and accommodating. I requested a hot toddy which was not on the menu and the bartender didn't miss a beat, was friendly and sweet. My drink was done well and the experience was picturesque. Highly recommend for a quaint experience.

See all

3 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 1
Love this 5
Oh no 1

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

I died and went to whiskey heaven . Great selection of whiskies from all over the world. Definitely a must for any whisky connoisseur!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Great whiskey bar to check out. Bartenders know what they are doing and has really good tacos! Check them out!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Robert J.
66
55
43

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sam L.
663
508
1719

10 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lori R.
1
114
0

4 years ago

Fantastic drinks and atmosphere to sit, relax and enjoy a special cocktail. Bartender is friendly.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Ashley S.
99
23
28

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 6
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 5
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tommy H.
16
46
10

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of LARRY W.
254
74
26

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Zee B.
1
12
11

8 years ago

The best vibe this side of The Jordaan. Had an amazing Taco Tuesday. Great service, great conversation, and even greater lighting.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jeremy S.
179
21
60

10 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Jim S.
117
29
0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of kelly l.
34
77
12

10 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

J.D. William's Whisky Bar Reviews in Other Languages

Review Highlights - J.D. William's Whisky Bar

Not only does he have a great whiskey selection (Scottish, American and more), the food is fantastic.

Mentioned in 4 reviews

Read more highlights

Verify this business for free

Get access to customer & competitor insights.

Verify this business

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails - Perfect Manhattan

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails

4.7(25 reviews)
1.1 kmCentrum

This bar was recommended to me by a bartender in Berlin. The first time I came I didn't have a…read morereservation but since it was just me, they were able to squeeze me in at the bar. The bartenders were busy but nice and took care to explain the creative and extensive menu. The second time I came I made a reservation for two online. You pay for the reservation but that amount is then applied to your check. The drinks are quite good and I understand the need for the reservation. It's not a big space but it's very popular so it's consistently full. This is a great bar so I can see why it's so popular. Don't miss Flying Dutchmen Cocktails in Amsterdam.

We stopped here for a cocktail. We did not have reservations so we had to wait until something…read moreopened. The server brought over a pinkish liquid and I asked what it was. He said water, so I assumed it was it was tinted from the lighting. When I took a sip it was a flavored water. I asked if it was gluten-free and he was very rude in his response. Basically was like um yea it just has spices in it. Spices may not be gluten free and could be of concern for a celiac. I asked him if any drinks were gluten free and he said all but 2. I wasn't confident that the drinks would be made separately from the non- gluten drinks so I opted not to get one. My friend got the bees knees and said it was really tasty. The server did come back and switch my water to regular at the end but he should have been upfront with what he gave to prevent any exposure to peoples allergies.

Photos
Flying Dutchmen Cocktails - Beautiful bar with a large selection :)

Beautiful bar with a large selection :)

Flying Dutchmen Cocktails
Flying Dutchmen Cocktails

See all

Super Lyan

Super Lyan

4.8(10 reviews)
0.6 kmCentrum

I've been to this bar a few times and what really makes the experience is if you have good…read morebartenders. During my favorite visits, the bartenders explain each drink you order as they serve it and tell you the story. Every drink has a story. Sometimes they are busy or not interested and you don't get the story. I wouldn't have noticed that the drink tastes like a salad, and not in the bad way, had the bartender not told me the story. A couple of times I asked if they have merch for sale and one time they had pins which I bought. The next time I came, they were out of both pins and shirts. Bummer. I recommend a visit when you're looking for a cool place in Amsterdam, especially when you are staying at the hotel.

Super Lyan was a must visit bar based on the videos I watched on YouTube about Amsterdam. The place…read morewas very cool and I received great customer service from the bartenders. The decor was very nice as well. I didn't try any food there. Now it comes to the important part of the review. It's all about the cocktails. I got the Beeswax Old Fashioned(17 Euros).It was very good and a nice twist on an old fashioned. My second drink was the Paradiso Manhattan(17 Euros) and it was a tasty cocktail with something extra. It came with a piece of chocolate that was made with mushroom powder. They paired well together. I can't give it five stars for one reason. The drinks were very good,but they were a little weak. I felt very little to nothing after my second drink. I'm not a big drinker and I have a low tolerance for alcohol. The drinks need to be a little stronger. More of a kick to them. I would still recommend Super Lyan to anyone that has the pleasure of visiting Amsterdam on holiday.

Photos
Super Lyan
Super Lyan
Super Lyan - Super Lyan's Menu

See all

Super Lyan's Menu

Door 74 - Their speciality cocktail.

Door 74

4.4(126 reviews)
1.4 kmCentrum
€€€

Epic bar. Social, open until 3am, and overall a fun time. Unique cocktails that were quite tasty…read morewith various flavors and interesting serving cups. Good for small groups or just at the bar.

Thanks to Iago from NJoy, we heard about this soeakeasy and decided to check it out. Reservations…read morerecommended. Carlota who answered the doorbell, was able to accommodate us at the bar (our preferred seating anyway). She took our coats, placed them in the coat closet up front and led us inside. Once seated, we were given gorgeous ruby red complimentary aperitif (hibiscus, honey, ginger). The drink menu is interesting, based on the concept of growing up, with more basic tastes to start and more mature complex tastes later on in life. (The drinks are more complex the later in the menu). I ordered the Awake at Last, and my husband ordered the Ruby Stone. Mine was sweet and coffee flavored and his was more tart and sour cherry flavored. When I tried his drink, I immediately felt nostalgic because it reminded me of umeboshi (pickled plum in Japanese food), so we ended up trading drinks. Both were great for supping. Sitting at the bar was fun, watching the bartender at his work. He was silent, focused, skilled, professional. So glad we checked it out! I didn't post pictures of the entrance or inside because I'll leave it to you to discover! (The fun of a speakeasy).

Photos
Door 74 - Great drinks and atmosphere!

Great drinks and atmosphere!

Door 74
Door 74

See all

Pulitzer's Bar - View from the bar

Pulitzer's Bar

4.4(45 reviews)
0.6 kmNegen Straatjes, Centrum
€€

My husband and I were in Zürich before coming to Amsterdam and met a friend who is from Amsterdam…read more He recommended Pulitzer's Bar- so we immediately called and made a reservation. We were going on a boat tour that afternoon, to see all the light installations, so we made sure the timing was right to get to Pulitzer's on time! We had a 6:00 reservation, and got there promptly and found the door that we were to enter. The door was locked, but there was a sign that said 'please wait, someone will be with you soon'. Our wait was very short, and someone promptly came, greeted us and took us to our seats at the bar. Because a reservation, I believe is required, (not 200% about that), we were wondering if it would be a bit stuffy. It was not at all, everyone that we spoke to was very friendly, and great service at the bar. There were other couch settings and a few different set ups, but as usual, we love the bar. Our drinks were fabulous and we tried three of their menu items- only have appetizers, but they were very good. In talking to my sister and her husband, after we returned home, who had just been to Amsterdam, I realized that they stayed at the Pulitzer hotel, which we did not know when we were there. They loved the hotel - so I can give a recommendation for that as well. They said all the rooms are different and they really loved their room. I think everyone would really enjoy a stay at the Pulitzer hotel and definitely get a reservation to Pulitzer's bar- you won't be disappointed.

Gorgeous bar! The drenched walls and design is well worth it before the cocktails!…read more We enjoyed Mocktail Bellinos and a tart

Photos
Pulitzer's Bar
Pulitzer's Bar
Pulitzer's Bar

See all

NJOY - Indoor seating

NJOY

4.5(54 reviews)
1.6 kmCentrum
€€€

Thouroughly enjoyed our visit here on April 6. We rang the doorbell and Iago the bartender greeted…read moreus, letting us choose where to sit--we chose the bar because we like getting to know the bartender and watching them do their mixology. We ordered beef bitterballen to try this traditional Dutch comfort food. Meanwhile, my husband ordered their signature cocktail called "Beurre Noisette" old fashioned and I ordered a Dutch Negroni (Negronis are my favorite drink to order wherever I go). Both were delicious! Meanwhile, we chatted with Iago the bartender, and Lily the manager. We learned more about Amsterdam and why so many people come here from elsewhere in Europe to work. Iago was super fun to talk to. He'd lived in Amsterdam for 7 years and It was only his first week here at NJoy. He was skilled as a bartender, being able to mix fabulous cocktails and also hold an interesting conversation at the same time. We'd go back just to be able to talk with him again, such a friendly bartender, very attentive, and professional. The beef bitterballen was so hot we had to wait a bit to try it. It comes with savory mustard that is better than any mustard I've tried before. Not sure why. The bitterballen were crispy fried with beef ragú inside. I'm not a fan myself but am glad I tried it. NJoy is elegant and romantic and cozy. There's another bar downstairs with a disco ball above. It would be fantastic to host a celebration event here. Their cocktails are memorable! Highly recommend!

Beautifully unique experience. Relaxing atmosphere and delicious drinks. The mixologists are…read morefriendly, and offer great recommendations. Don't miss out.

Photos
NJOY - Go up the stairs and ring the doorbell

Go up the stairs and ring the doorbell

NJOY - Cool chandelier at entrance

Cool chandelier at entrance

NJOY - Downstairs area

See all

Downstairs area

Rosalia's Menagerie

Rosalia's Menagerie

5.0(28 reviews)
1.0 kmDe Wallen, Centrum

Rosalia's Menagerie is one of the greatest cocktail bars I've visited anywhere. Tucked on an old…read morecanal in a historic inn, it feels less like a bar and more like a small salon devoted to Dutch drinking culture. The rooms read like a cabinet of curiosities: intimate, storyful, quietly romantic. The team centers Dutch spirits, especially genever, and treats the menu as a narrative rather than a list of brands. Seasonal themes frame the drinks by flavor profile and history, and even the snacks stay in character, with simple Dutch-leaning bites that support what's in the glass instead of competing with it. The craft is serious. Most of the cocktails look disarmingly plain in the glass. No umbrellas, no edible terrariums, no theatrics for their own sake. Then you take a sip and the bouquet opens in layers, and the mid palate carries on a long arc that rewards attention. It is the rare bar where you keep drinking more slowly because the drink keeps revealing itself. The menu is a pleasure to read on its own, the kind you can happily peruse between sips as you decide whether to follow the thread of genever, lean into a vermouth frame, or chase something herbal and saline. Service is warm and informed without hovering, which suits the room's scale and keeps the experience personal. Practicalities shape the vibe in a good way. It is small and seating-only, which preserves the hush. Entry skews first-come, and the crowd trends grown-up and conversation-forward rather than boisterous. Taken together, it adds up to a bar with a clear voice and a point of view: unassuming appearances, rigorous composition, deep roots in Dutch tradition. If you love elegant, sophisticated and distinctive cocktails, this is a destination.

I hate that I don't have photos of this bar or our drinks but this was my absolute favorite bar in…read moreAmsterdam! It's a speakeasy as special as they come. They also have a book of Fables with moveable cutouts/pop ups that make for fun drinking games AND they have drinks to go with said fables but you can tell the bar tenders about yourself and be pleasantly surprised with what they whip up too. We had so much fun there, I would go again and definitely recommend it!

Photos
Rosalia's Menagerie
Rosalia's Menagerie
Rosalia's Menagerie

See all

J.D. William's Whisky Bar - gastropubs - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...